Writing for MediaPlanet’s special December 2010 supplement for USA Today, entitled “Sexual and Reproductive Health”, Jill Smits quotes our own Carolyn Braddock on the topic of Menopause and Sexuality:
We’re proud to have been part of such a great publication, which you can view as a PDF by clicking HERE.
As aging Americans live and stay healthy longer, and with the surge of popular erectile dysfunction medications, today’s aging population is remaining sexually active for longer than previous generations. Roughly 45 percent of men and women in their 50s reported being sexually active; about one-third of men and women in their 60s; and 20 to 30 percent of men and women into their 70s and 80s.
The French Lavender didn’t stand a chance, but Crunchy Betty knew that the full-sized bottles of Natural and Tahitian Vanilla were meant to be passed along. In her words:
With trembling fingers, I tore into the huge package and immediately opened the french lavender. It smells like running through the English countryside, the gentle wind tousling your hair as you throw it back and smile at the Orlando-Bloom-esque man who’s frolicking behind you carrying a bouquet of flowers and an engagement ring.
But, sorry. You can’t win that one. I opened it. It’s mine.
And I keep looking longingly at the other two boxes full of aloe goodness, but I know in my heart that the universe wants me to pass on the love.
Now, I can’t give you a full monte review here, because I haven’t used the Aloe Cadabra in it’s, um, marketed use. As you know, Fiance’s out of town and … yeah.
However! I will tell you that this stuff is AWESOME as a hand softener. I use it a couple of times a day – just slather it on – and my hands don’t only smell divine, but they’re super soft.
And it worked wonders that one time a few days ago when I forgot that the backs of hands and broilers ne’re should meet. I had a huge burn that is now completely healed (four days later), and I gotta thank Aloe Cadabra for that magic.
I can only dream of the other kinds of magic it could bring.
Oh, Orlando.
Those two bottles have moved on, but keep an eye on Betty for natural beauty recipes, home remedies, and life humor…and who knows what else she’ll give away! (Plus you can still participate in the sharing of first-kiss stories if you want to!)
Suzanne Wintrob, writing for Canada’s National Post in their recent Women’s Health supplement, says that menopause is no time to “shrivel up”, and talks to our own Carolyn Braddock about using lubricant!
Who said that menopause means a loss of libido? Sensuality is possible at any age as long a woman takes the time to get in touch with her physical body and her inner soul.
“When you’re under stress, it’s difficult to feel sensual,” says Carolyn Braddock, a U.S.-based educator and Tai Ji advocate. “But fluidity in the mind, body and spirit will create fluidity in the natural lubrication of the physical body.”
While menopausal women often experience a decline in sexual interest, the loss can’t be attributed to vaginal dryness alone. Dr. Nathalie Gamache of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada says hot flashes, insomnia and weight gain – especially when combined with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis and cancer – can further impair a woman’s sex drive. Medications to treat such conditions can have negative side effects on sexual health, she adds. Unfortunately, women often feel uncomfortable addressing sexual concerns with their doctor.
But people who maintain an active sex life tend to live longer and happier, says Dr. Gamache, and there is help for women of any age to get their groove back. Moisturizers and lubricants can increase comfort during intercourse and enhance the senses. Local estrogen preparation is ideal for severe dryness.
Ms. Braddock wishes more North American women would adopt Eastern thinking where “elder love” is celebrated. Alas, menopausal women this side of the ocean feel they are “shriveling up.” Instead, she urges them to light candles, use lubricant, try sex toys, and listen to their body’s voice.
“If we continue to have good sensual and sexual experiences, we keep the juices flowing which helps to create better health in our organs,” says the 63-year-old spokesperson for Aloe Cadabra lubricant. “Menopause is a magical time. It’s the wise woman who lets her hair down and gets a little mischievous.”
“What is menopause?? and what can u do to stop it?”, asks a seemingly frantic Amie on Yahoo! Answers. As usual, the simplest answer turns out to be best, in the words of user Which Witch Is Which: “It’s when you stop your periods, it tends to happen from ages 45-55, and you can’t stop it.”
Well that certainly answers the question, but since Amie seems anxious about it, we’d love to offer some thoughts and suggestions on the matter:
Menopause is indeed an inevitable change in a woman’s body, most popularly marked by the cessation of menstruation (as another contributor said, “…who would want to stop menopause? I mean your periods will become a thing of the past”). “The Great Change” typically comes in two stages, and characteristics of menopause can include irregular periods (before they stop completely), hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. Because your body will have stopped releasing eggs, production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases, and one of the effects of that is vaginal dryness.
Like any other time in your life, keeping your body healthy will be so important! A healthy diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of water will help, as will being mindful of what’s in the other products you’re using. Keeping the vagina moist can be simply a comfort issue if you’re not sexually active at that time, but especially if you are, having a lubricant that actually heals and nourishes your most delicate skin and doesn’t add harmful chemicals to your body is a MUST.
Of course, we recommend something organic…perhaps with a light lavender scent? 😉
